James E. Giles

Pastor Giles has been a peacemaker and community leader in Buffalo for almost 50 years. Before joining Viridi as Head of Human Resources, he was President and CEO of Back To Basics Outreach Ministries, The President of VOICE Buffalo an organization that organizes for social and economic justice, and the Administrator for the Stop The Violence Coalition. He’s been a strong force in the Restorative Justice movement and Prisoner Reentry for Erie County. Giles sits on the Board of Directors for Catholic Charities, Northland Workforce Training Center, City of Buffalo EMS Board, and Youth Visionaries. He has received countless awards and accommodations from two Mayors, two County Executives, Agencies, and governmental officials for his work as a community servant and leader.